Arsenal continue to be linked with Dutch international midfielder Rafael van der Vaart.

The 27-year-old Real Madrid star has been heavily linked with an exit from the Santiago Bernabeu following the arrival of ‘Special One’ Jose Mourinho, and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is one manager thought to be monitoring the situation.

Madrid’s sporting director, Miguel Pardeza, hinted that non-Spanish players outside the first team could be sold to balance the books, and whilst Van der Vaart has stressed a desire to stay and fight for his place it appears the player could be heading for the exit door.

The Metro reports that Wenger, a known admirer of the Dutchman, is still keen on a summer move for Van der Vaart as the end of the transfer window draws ever closer. Robin van Persie is also thought to have recommended the player to his boss, with the north London club now considering an £8 million bid. (Give Me Football – Official PFA Website)

Could Arsene Wenger really be looking to bring in the Real Madrid bench warmer? It’s a deal that no doubt Rafael Van der Vaart may well be interested in as he looks as far from the Bernabeu first team as ever under new boss Jose Mourinho. The talented playmaker has now lost his spot in the Dutch international startling eleven as a result of his lack of action at the La Liga giants, therefore a move away from the club is a distinct possibility.

Arsenal seem keen on beefing up their back line and with the capture of Sebastien Squillaci in the bag it seems likely that the next signing the north London side will make will be provide the club with a more stable keeper with Mark Schwarzer the favourite for the job, so does this mean a move for an attack minded midfielder may well not be a relevant issue at this time?

The club has an abundance of players of a similar style and position as the 27 year old former Ajax and Hamburg man. The likes of Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Andrei Arshavin and a rejuvenated Tomas Rosicky (who was excellent against Blackpool), all spring to mind. So would Van der Vaart even fit into the starting line up at the Emirates?

However if a move for the Real man costs as little as the reported £8m then surely it would be too tempting an addition to turn down?